First-ever Multicultural Night ‘DARE’s community to discuss race, ethnicity

Mariah Hunt STAFF WRITER

On April 13, the Native American Society, Black Student Association, Hispanic Student Association, and Pacific Islander Asian American Association at OCU hosted their first annual multicultural night entitled “D.A.R.E to Grow.”

D.A.R.E. is an acronym coined by sophomore mass communications major Kel Pinkston for “Discussions about Race and Ethnicity.” This event strove to not only celebrate the unique cultures represented by OCU’s multicultural student organizations, but also to start meaningful conversations about these communities and their needs.

The event began at 5 p.m. in the Great Hall and featured cultural foods provided

WELLNESS: CAMPUS LIFE

by each group, including fry bread, catfish, and crab wontons.

Some food was catered from authentic restaurants, while others were homemade by organization members. Students, faculty, and the community were invited to partake in the delicious food while watching a few performances.

Each group sponsored a dance group throughout the night that represented an aspect of their culture.

Performances included the Kustom Fit Dance Team, representing BSA; Marti Rickman and her Salsa Dancers, representing HSA; Cecil Grey and his family, representing NAS; and the Hung Viet Lion Dancers, representing PIAAA. The dances included time for discussion between performances.

Each organization provided two questions about their racial community for participants to discuss.

The second half of the program moved outdoors.

The Native American and Asian American dance performances took place on the quad to capitalize on the stunning weather and include those participating in the Better Together “Love, Not Hate Day.” The dances